Takeover Festival

The most soulful voices come from the British Isles. Cara Rose has played the pubs of Glasgow, finding her themes on the street and in her heart. Searching for her way through life, clicks on Spotify have thrown the young Scotswoman into the global spotlight. She is at home there now, and sings to packed venues. Or here at our Festspielhaus: up close, in a lounge atmosphere – just her, her keyboard, and her songs. What an incredible start to the day! Get ready for the Takeover Saturday with delectable snacks at the brunch concert with Cara Rose – and let yourself be carried away by the music.

From techno clubs to the Philharmonie, Christian Löffler has had an extraordinary journey. After his acclaimed appearance at Takeover 2024, he’s joining Sven Helbig as he kicks off his current tour with us. Helbig has given a boost to artists like the Pet Shop Boys with his classic sounds. We look forward to a Takeover evening featuring beats and musical poetry that is sure to thrill both classical and electro fans.

When cinematic electro jazz meets hypnotic vocals: Norlyz, the electroacoustic quartet from Hamburg/Berlin, merges acoustic instruments with the energy of techno, jazz, and world music. The performance will also feature Malika Alaoui, singer, performer, and former soloist of Cirque du Soleil. A thrilling sound adventure full of emotion – where no other audience gets to go: on the Festspielhaus backstage.

Jazz on the harp? With Brandee Younger, the heavenly instrument dives deep into a sea of blue notes. The American artist has worked with jazz greats such as Pharoah Sanders and Jack DeJohnette, with hip-hop diva Lauryn Hill and cult band The Roots. She was the first African-American artist to be nominated for a Grammy in the Best Instrumental Composition category. And now it’s time to get to know her better, in the relaxed atmosphere of this Takeover brunch concert.

The São Paulo Dance Company concludes the Takeover Festival with three spectacular productions, including Nacho Duato’s Gnawa. The choreographer took his inspiration from the spiritual musical tradition of the Gnawa in Morocco. North African rhythms, ritual gestures, and flowing movements merge into a hypnotic dance – an impressive tribute to the power of ritual and the depth of cultural connection.

We’re especially looking forward to our renewed meeting with this artist. Martin Kohlstedt, pianist and composer from Weimar, is at home in the area where classical music and electronics meet. His works are often created live and arise in the moment. Kohlstedt does without fixed set lists, relying instead on spontaneous patterns and interaction. After his acclaimed performance two years ago, he is now bringing along an expanded ensemble with two drummers.